The Israel Mathematical Union (IMU; Hebrew: האיגוד הישראלי למתמטיקה) is the professional association of mathematicians in Israel. Founded in 1953, it promotes mathematical research and teaching at the academic level. It organises mathematical meetings, awards research prizes and maintains links with mathematical societies abroad.
History
The union was founded on 2 March 1953 and held its first meeting on 28 September of that year, with a programme of eleven short lectures. Speakers included Shmuel Agmon, Jacob Levitzki and Dov Jarden.
The union promotes advanced mathematical research and teaching and holds an annual mathematical meeting. Its activities also include research prizes and resources for young people interested in mathematics.
Its officers generally change every two years. During the 2025–2026 term, the officers were based at Bar-Ilan University, with Mina Teicher serving as president, Michael Schein as secretary and Jonathan Beck as treasurer.
The Israel Mathematical Union awards four research prizes:
The Anna and Lajos Erdős Prize in Mathematics, established through a donation by Paul Erdős, recognises an Israeli mathematician working in pure mathematics, applied mathematics or computer science. The union's English-language description specifies an age limit of under 40. Originally called the Erdős Prize, it was renamed in 1996 to reflect Erdős's wish to commemorate his parents.
The Levitzki Prize in Algebra recognises research by young Israeli mathematicians in algebra and related fields. It commemorates Jacob and Charlotte Levitzki.
The Haim Nessyahu Prize in Mathematics recognises outstanding achievements in a mathematical doctoral dissertation. It was established by Nessyahu's parents in his memory.
The Abarbanel Prize in Applied Mathematics, named in honour of Saul Abarbanel, is awarded every two years to an Israeli applied mathematician below the age of 48.
Presidents
The union's published list of past officers begins in 1981.
12O'Connor, John J.; Robertson, Edmund F. (February 2018). "The Israel Mathematical Union". MacTutor History of Mathematics archive. University of St Andrews. Retrieved 25 October 2026.
